Sports

ATCN Partners Promoter for World-Class ‘Motorsport Festival’ in Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

March 4, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

In its continued efforts to promote motorsport in Nigeria and generate economic value for the country, the Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) has partnered with a prominent promoter to host an upcoming event dubbed the Motorsport Festival in Nigeria and beyond.

At a signing ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, the President of ATCN, Ishaku Bamaiyi, expressed that this partnership will usher in a new era for motorsport development in Nigeria.

The Festival of Motorsport aligns with the missions and visions of both ATCN and the Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC). According to Bamaiyi, today, March 4, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the development of motorsport in Nigeria, particularly grassroots development through the Festival of Motorsport.

“This event will create an industry that not only improves statistics but also adds economic value for promoters, competitors, and the Nigerian economy at large,” he said.

The Festival of Motorsport is a multi-disciplinary event offering Nigerians the opportunity to showcase their talents as competitors, officials, marshals, motorsport marketers, commentators, photographers, videographers, engineers, and more.

“We will soon see the results of our collective efforts,” Bamaiyi stated.

He further explained that the event will boost the country’s economy, promote global tourism, enhance environmental protection, and raise awareness about road safety. The festival will advocate for safe, affordable, and clean transport for all.

The President also identified several potential disciplines for motorsport development in Nigeria, including Junior and Senior Karting Sprint, Karting Slalom, Karting Endurance (4-hour race), Drifting Auto Slalom, Cross Car, and Digital Motorsport.

Reflecting on the progress made by ATCN in recent years, Bamaiyi highlighted the federation’s initiatives in training competitors and organizing events aimed at encouraging development, all without financial commitment from participants.

“Nigeria participated in the FIA Motorsport Games in 2022 in France and will compete in Spain in 2024. We finished in the quarter-finals in GT and the semi-finals in F4 in the esports categories. Our sole competitor in the senior Karting Sprint showed significant improvement,” he added.

Bamaiyi also revealed that the federation is set to launch a Motorsport App soon, which will be used to communicate and raise awareness about motorsports in Nigeria and beyond.

In his remarks, the promoter of the Motorsport Festival, Alhaji Basril Ibrahim, expressed his commitment to bringing world-class motorsport events to Nigeria.

“This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of motorsport in Nigeria,” Ibrahim said. “We are here today to sign this agreement for the Festival of Motorsport, and we believe it’s a great opportunity to contribute to motorsport development in Nigeria. Motorsport in Nigeria holds so much potential, and we need to turn these potentials into success.”

He added, “Look at how Formula 1 has become a daily part of everyone’s life. In 2021 alone, Formula 1 generated over $22 billion, and it’s projected to reach $25 billion by 2030. This presents a huge opportunity for Nigeria.”

Ibrahim emphasized that the signing of this agreement is not just about the financial aspect but also about grassroots development. “We are eager to nurture our young people here in Nigeria and take our motorsport to a world-class level. We hope this event will serve as the launchpad for promoting Nigeria on the global motorsport stage.”

The Festival of Motorsport is expected to become an annual event, raising awareness that Nigeria is ready for motorsport on the global platform.

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Sports

Grassroots football Guru: Celebrating Nureni Makanjuola’s Contributions to Nigerian Football

Published

4 hours ago

June 20, 2025

The Gleamer

In the realm of Nigerian football, few individuals have made as profound an impact on grassroots development as Nureni Makanjuola, popularly known as MK. As the proprietor of Water FC of Abuja, MK has been instrumental in shaping the future of Nigerian football, one young player at a time.

MK’s love affair with football began at a young age, and his passion for the beautiful game only grew stronger with time. However, it was his realization of the vast, untapped potential in Nigerian grassroots football that spurred him to take action. Determined to make a difference, MK established Water FC, a platform dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and developing young football talents.

Water FC, under MK’s guidance, has become a beacon of hope for young Nigerian footballers. The club’s academy provides a conducive environment for youngsters to hone their skills, with top-notch coaching, training facilities, and equipment. MK’s commitment to grassroots development is evident in the club’s scouting network, which identifies and recruits talented players from all over the country.

The success stories emerging from Water FC are a testament to MK’s vision and dedication. Several players who have passed through the club’s ranks have gone on to represent Nigeria at various international levels, including the U-17 and U-20 World Cups- a case in point is Babatunde Micheal. Others have secured professional contracts with top Nigerian and European clubs, a clear indication that Water FC is producing talents capable of competing on the biggest stages.

MK’s impact extends beyond the football pitch. Through Water FC, he has empowered communities by providing opportunities for young people to engage in sports, thereby promoting social development and cohesion. The club’s presence has also stimulated local economic growth, with businesses and services springing up to cater to the needs of players, coaches, and visiting teams.

As a role model for philanthropy, MK’s selfless contributions to grassroots football development have earned him recognition as a role model for philanthropy in sports. His commitment to giving back to the community, without expecting anything in return, is a shining example for others to follow. By investing in the future of Nigerian football, MK is inspiring a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

We conclude this price by stating explicitly that Nureni Makanjuola (MK) is a true champion of grassroots football development in Nigeria. Through Water FC, he has created a platform that not only discovers and develops young talents but also empowers communities and promotes social growth. As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to MK for his tireless efforts in shaping the future of Nigerian football. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his impact on the beautiful game will never be forgotten.

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